Oh, let me tell you about this Olive Garden Pasta Salad! It’s one of my absolute favorites—so refreshing and vibrant! Honestly, every time I whip it up, I feel like I’m treating myself to a little taste of Italy. The combination of perfectly cooked rotini pasta, crunchy veggies, and tangy feta just makes my taste buds dance with joy! Plus, it’s super easy to make, and it’s always a hit at gatherings or even just as a light lunch. You won’t believe how quickly it disappears from the table! Trust me, you’ll want this salad in your life!
Ingredients for Olive Garden Pasta Salad
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Olive Garden Pasta Salad
Making this Olive Garden Pasta Salad is a breeze, and I can’t wait to share the steps with you! Just follow along, and you’ll have a delicious salad ready in no time. Let’s dive right in!
Cooking the Pasta
First things first, let’s get that rotini pasta cooking! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add the 8 ounces of rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes until al dente. You want it firm, yet tender! After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This is super important because it helps keep the pasta from becoming mushy!
Mixing the Ingredients
Now that your pasta is all set, grab a large bowl and combine the cooled pasta with 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup of diced cucumber, 1/2 cup of thinly sliced red onion, 1/2 cup of sliced black olives, and 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese. I like to give everything a good toss to ensure each piece is coated and the flavors mingle beautifully!
Preparing the Dressing
While your veggies and pasta are getting cozy, let’s whip up the dressing! In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. This dressing packs a punch, so make sure to taste it and adjust if needed! Balance is key here—it’s what makes the salad sing!
Assembling the Salad
Finally, pour that delicious dressing over the pasta salad and toss everything together until it’s evenly coated. This is where the magic happens! Once it’s all combined, cover the bowl and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows all those fantastic flavors to meld together, making each bite even more delightful. You’re going to love it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly refreshing—perfect for warm days or as a side dish!
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Loaded with vibrant veggies and creamy feta for a satisfying crunch and flavor.
- Versatile—great as a standalone dish or paired with grilled meats for a hearty meal.
- Can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to deepen and meld together.
- Customizable! Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or add protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Perfect for meal prep—store it in the fridge for quick lunches all week!
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Make sure to cook the rotini just until al dente. This keeps the pasta firm and prevents it from getting mushy as it sits in the dressing.
- Chill for flavor: Allowing the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes really lets those flavors meld together. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
- Fresh ingredients matter: Use fresh veggies for the best texture and flavor. Crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes make a world of difference!
- Adjust the dressing: Feel free to tweak the olive oil and vinegar ratio to suit your taste. If you like it tangier, add a bit more vinegar!
- Mix it up: Experiment with different vegetables or add-ins like bell peppers or artichoke hearts for a fun twist!
- Store properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, but trust me, it’s so good, it probably won’t last that long!
Nutritional Information for Olive Garden Pasta Salad
This Olive Garden Pasta Salad not only tastes amazing but can also be a wholesome addition to your meal rotation! Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional data per serving, which is about 1 cup:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keep in mind, these numbers are estimates based on typical ingredients, and they can vary based on the specific brands or types you use. But no matter the details, you can feel good about enjoying this colorful and delicious salad!
FAQ About Olive Garden Pasta Salad
Can I add protein to the Olive Garden Pasta Salad?
Absolutely! Adding protein can take this salad to the next level. I love tossing in some grilled chicken for a heartier meal, but you can also use chickpeas or even shrimp if you’re feeling fancy. Just make sure whatever protein you choose is cooked and seasoned well so it complements all those vibrant flavors in the salad!
How long can I store the Olive Garden Pasta Salad?
You can store this delightful pasta salad in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Just keep in mind that the vegetables may lose a bit of their crunch over time, but it’ll still taste delicious! If you find any leftovers, they make a great quick lunch or snack. Just give it a good stir before serving!
Can I customize the ingredients?
Oh, for sure! One of the best parts about this Olive Garden Pasta Salad is its versatility. You can swap out the veggies based on what you have on hand or what’s in season. Bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or even roasted zucchini would be fantastic! And if you’re not a fan of feta cheese, feel free to use mozzarella or omit it altogether. Make it your own!
Serving Suggestions for Olive Garden Pasta Salad
This Olive Garden Pasta Salad is so versatile that it pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes! Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions that’ll elevate your meal:
- Grilled Chicken: This salad makes a fantastic side for juicy grilled chicken. The flavors complement each other perfectly, and you’ll get a nice protein boost!
- Garlic Bread: Serve a slice of warm, buttery garlic bread alongside the salad for a classic Italian touch. It’s perfect for scooping up any leftover dressing!
- Soup: Pair it with a light soup, like minestrone or a simple vegetable broth, for a cozy meal that feels wholesome and satisfying.
- Seafood: Think grilled shrimp or seared scallops! The freshness of the seafood combined with the salad creates a delightful combination that’s hard to resist.
- Charcuterie Board: Add this salad to a charcuterie spread. It balances out the richness of cheeses and cured meats beautifully, making it a crowd-pleaser.
- Veggie Platter: For a lighter option, serve it with a platter of fresh veggies and hummus. It’s a great way to keep things fresh and crisp!
Whatever you choose to serve it with, this Olive Garden Pasta Salad is sure to shine as a refreshing and delicious addition to your meal. Enjoy every bite!
For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!
For a great source on the health benefits of olive oil, visit Healthline.
Learn more about the nutritional value of pasta at NutritionValue.org.
Print
Olive Garden Pasta Salad: 7 Reasons You’ll Love It
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing salad with pasta, vegetables, and a tangy dressing.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, and feta cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until evenly coated.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Serve cold or at room temperature.
- Add grilled chicken for a protein boost.
- Adjust vegetables based on preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Olive Garden Pasta Salad